Have you ever wondered what Bruce Wayne indulges in when he spends a night out on the town? Author André Darlington knows! He’s concocted Gotham City Cocktails, a gorgeous new book with 70 unique food and drink recipes inspired by the Dark Knight’s hometown. Cocktails with in-the-know names like “The Demon’s Head,” “Feline Fatale” and “The Last Laugh” are perfectly paired with photography by Ted Thomas that is both classy and classic. It’s easy to imagine you’re stepping out for a night at the Iceberg Lounge when you crack open this beautiful book.
If it wasn’t clear from the names above, each recipe is inspired by the famous people and places in Gotham. From Bruce Wayne to Harley Quinn to Carmine Falcone, the book raises a glass to Batman’s friends and foes.
No matter what time it may be in your neck of the woods, it’s five o’clock in Gotham, so let’s order a round of five gloriously named food and drink recipes from the book and chat about the inspiration behind them.
The Dark Nightcap
Gotham City Cocktails begins with a drink in honor of its most legendary denizen. We can’t help but smile at the clever name of this cocktail. World’s Greatest Detective. The Caped Crusader. The Dark Knight. No matter what you call him, Batman is a hero worthy of a toast.
Much like the hero this drink draws inspiration from, the Dark Nightcap is broody and packs quite a punch. The dark-hued cocktail embodies our black-loving hero and Amaro Averna, a bittersweet Italian liqueur, blends with smooth scotch for a one-of-a-kind taste. A splash of bitters adds a pop of flavor to finish it off.
Elegy
If you’re a fan of Batwoman, you’ll recognize the clever name of this cocktail immediately. Batwoman: Elegy by Greg Rucka and J. H. Williams III is widely recognized as the formative story of the fiery-haired vigilante. Kate Kane faces her past when a formidable adversary is revealed to be more than she seems. Can Batwoman save Gotham City?
The Elegy cocktail, on the other hand, is dedicated to Kathy Kane, the original incarnation of Batwoman. It’s tailor-made for anyone who’s a bubbly socialite—or just dreams of being one. Vermouth, club soda and pomegranate juice combine for a fun, fizzy cocktail with a fruity twist.
One Bad Day
Anyone who has read The Killing Joke will know exactly where the inspiration for this drink comes from. In a now-famous quote from this perennially popular Alan Moore and Brian Bolland book, the maniacal Clown Prince of Crime declared that any person is just one bad day away from becoming a madman themselves. The bright green cocktail brings to mind the transformative vat of chemicals that changed him into the Joker on his particularly horrible day.
Agave-based mezcal, the orange liqueur Cointreau, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and absinthe make this a shaken cocktail that might make everything seem far too funny. When it comes to making you smile, the Joker’s laughing gas has nothing on this delicious drink.
Gray Fox
This cocktail’s name is a wink to the brilliant inventor and Wayne Industries CEO Lucius Fox. Not only does he keep the company running smoothly when Bruce Wayne’s attention is elsewhere (which is often), Fox is also the mastermind behind some of Batman’s greatest gadgets.
The Gray Fox, a favorite at the Royal Hotel bar in downtown Gotham City, is just as inventive as its namesake. Fruit juices give the mixed drink a fresh twist. Blended with gin, Angostura bitters and club soda, this drink may not give you your next billion-dollar idea, but you’ll still feel like a boss drinking it.
Monarch Theater Popcorn
Got the munchies? Gotham City Cocktails has you covered as well with recipes for quite a few tasty treats. Monarch Theater Popcorn is a standout.
Inspired by the landmark movie theater in the heart of Gotham, ordinary popcorn gets a little kick thanks to curry powder and Old Bay seasoning. Even if you don’t consider yourself a chef, you’ll be able to whip up this flavorful snack in no time.
You’ll find all of these incredible recipes and much, much more in the pages of Gotham City Cocktails. Just remember to drink responsibly. After all, if there’s one thing the Bat-Family knows, its when to call it a night.
Gotham City Cocktails by André Darlington is available now at your favorite local bookstore and online retailer.
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DCComics.com and her writing can also be seen on IGN, Nerdist, and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk superheroes, comics and crafts.
